WEEK 38
Structure Hardening Part I—Doors and Windows
When I say “structure hardening,” I mean putting in place security measures to prevent break-ins. While no structure can be made impregnable without the use of some very high-tech and expensive gear and supplies, there are many things the average home owner can do to improve home security greatly.
Here, I concentrate on the most common ways to enter a dwelling, the doors and windows.
DOORS
All exterior doors should be solid wood or steel encased. Doors that have large windows in them should be replaced if at all possible.
If the hinges on the exterior door are accessible from the outside, the hinge pins should be welded or glued in place. Hinges should be attached to the frame using screws long enough to go through the frame and into the stud.
The strength of a door comes from not only the material it’s made of but also from the number of points of attachment there are to the frame. These points of attachment include hinges as well as the doorknob and dead bolts. The more points of attachment, the stronger the door. Adding three dead bolts, at the top, bottom, and near the doorknob, will increase the strength substantially. At a minimum, make sure you have one near the doorknob and ensure that the bolt goes into the frame at least a full inch.
If need be during or after a disaster, you can fortify the door from the inside to prevent it from being kicked in. Purchase metal brackets and install them on either side of the door, making sure you’re screwing the brackets into the studs rather than into drywall. Lay a two-by-four or two-by-six in the brackets so it goes across the door. The effect is not unlike what you’ve seen in countless westerns where the heroes place a large plank across the inside of the fort gate. You need not install these brackets until they’re needed, just have them, the board, and the screws stashed in a front closet until they’re needed.
WINDOWS
Windows are problematic. Glass is easily broken, of course. There are materials available, though, such as Lexan, that can replace the glass and are virtually unbreakable. Although pricey, there are also Kevlar-type materials that can be added to glass panes for the same effect. Another option is to place shatter-resistant film over the glass. You can find this type of product from a number of retailers. Simply do an online search for “shatter-resistant film.”
Consider purchasing plywood to place over the inside of the windows and be screwed in place. Obviously this will prevent you from seeing out, but it’ll be difficult for someone to easily break through and gain entry. Cut the plywood to size, label each piece with which window it’s for, and then stash them in the garage until they may be needed. Again, as with the doors, make sure all screws go into studs for strength. Of course, this is a measure you’d take after a disaster, as it isn’t suited for everyday life.
A wide variety of shutters are available for most types of windows. They’re designed to be used during hurricanes, but will work well for our purposes, too. Of course, there are different configurations of bars you can install as well, but many home owners avoid them because of their unsightly appearance.
Double-hung windows can be secured by drilling a hole in the window frame, then sliding a nail that’s slightly thinner into the hole. The nail prevents the window from sliding open, but you can remove the nail to open the window for ventilation when you’re home.
Sliding windows, which move from left to right rather than up and down, can be secured by placing a dowel in the track of the sliding pane. This same tactic can be used on patio doors.
Casement windows are the ones that crank open by turning a handle. When closed, they’re almost impossible to open from the outside. Left open, though, the metal arms are accessible from the outside and could be removed.
Hanging curtains over the windows when you’re not home and at night will help keep prying eyes from seeing what you have inside. Postdisaster, to prevent light from escaping at night and thus advertising your presence in the home, consider tacking up a couple layers of landscape fabric over the windows.
OUTBUILDINGS
Don’t forget to install security measures on outbuildings as well as the main dwelling. If a burglar or other ne’er-do-wells didn’t bring a crowbar or sledgehammer, you don’t want them picking one up in your shed to use. Keep doors and windows in outbuildings locked when you’re not using them.
WEEK 38 ASSIGNMENTS
TASKS
1. Determine which of the above options could be applied to your individual situation and begin implementing them. Purchase the necessary supplies and ask for installation assistance if need be.
2. Continue working your way through the site security survey we discussed last week. Pay particular attention to how people approach your home (driveway, front walk, etc.) and what they can see as they do so.
SAVINGS
Add $15 to your Prepper Savings Account.
TOTAL PREPPER SAVINGS ACCOUNT: 
WATER STORAGE
One gallon (or two 2-liter bottles) per person or a case of bottled water for the household.
TOTAL WATER STORAGE:
GROCERY LIST
3 cans vegetables, your choice
2 cans fruit, your choice, but stick with those packed in water or juice, rather than syrup
2 cans meat (tuna, chicken, beef), your choice
2 cans soup, not condensed (they require water)
1 box crackers, your choice
1 box (12 packages) ramen noodles
1 lb dry beans, your choice
